The words break something in me, and I cry again, ugly sobs that I’ve been holding back since we found the door open. Nick wraps his arms around me, letting me fall apart in his Range Rover.
By the time we reach the front door, I’m cried out. Autumn takes one look at us and goes into best-friend mode.
“The guest room is ready,” she says, not asking questions. “There’s wine if you need it. Or something stronger.”
“Thanks,” Nick says while I collapse on their couch, feeling boneless and exhausted.
“That bastard,” Zane says, his jaw clenching.
“My thoughts,” Nick mutters.
“What did the police say?” Autumn asks.
“Nothing useful,” I manage. “Without proof it was him …”
“Bullshit,” Autumn spits. “Who else would it be?”
Zane makes me chamomile with honey. Autumn sits with me, not talking, just being there, her hand holding mine. It’s what I need.
“He took some of my panties,” I tell her while the men talk logistics.
“We’ll go shopping tomorrow. All new everything. He doesn’t get to make you feel this way.”
Later, in the guest room with its soft blue walls and white curtains, Nick holds me in the dark. The bed is comfortable but unfamiliar. Everything smells like lavender instead of my usual vanilla.
“I should have been there, waiting for him,” he says.
“You were with me. I had fun with you tonight.”
“I did too, sweetheart. But I should’ve insisted on the security system sooner. Should’ve been more prepared for this. Should have?—”
“Please stop.” I turn to face him, barely able to make out his features in the moonlight. “This isn’t your fault. It’s Craig’s. Only Craig’s.”
“I just … I can’t lose you.”
“You won’t.”
We both know that October 31 is coming, whether we’re ready or not. And now, I’m terrified of what might happen before we get there. What if Nick decides this is too much or I’m too much?
“Does this make you want to run away from me?” I ask in the smallest voice.
Nick’s lips press against my forehead. “It makes me want to hold you closer.”
The certainty in his voice makes me feel safe, and for the first time since we saw my condo door busted open, I relax.
“Now, let’s get some sleep. You’re safe,” he says against my skin, holding me. “I’m with you.”
26
NICK
It’s been three days since the break-in. Three days of Julie startling at every creak in Hollow Manor, of checking and rechecking locks, of barely sleeping, even with me holding her. This morning, she insisted on returning to her condo. The security company is installing everything today. I special-ordered state-of-the-art equipment.
“I’m letting him win,” she says as we pull up to her building.
“You’re not. And it’s not about winning or losing. This is about protecting you. Not just from Craig, but from anyone else who tries to snoop.” I squeeze her hand. “This company is the best. They’ve completed several celebrity homes across the US.”
“Of course they have.” But she’s smiling.
